Colombiers - Notre Dame

A fortified settlement in Colombiers is known since Carolingian times and a church, dedicated to The Virgin Mary existed already around 1000.

The parish church Notre Dame may be some centuries younger, but still has a Romanesque structure. The church has obviously undergone more than one construction- and and renovation-phases.

The facade is the oldest part of the church, dating back to the 12th. century. It has some remarkable details. This perfect mermaid is one of them. The carvings is in such an unweathered condition, that I have the impression, that it may replace a weathered, older one, as the capitals and corbels under the roof are not that intact.